Abu Dhabi will be host to a brand new landscape event which will see government dignitaries, design experts and technology suppliers meet to talk landscaping, a US$55 billion industry which is growing at unprecedented levels in the Middle East. Launched as the “Middle East Smart Landscape Summit’ this inaugural event is set to take place on 27 & 28 May 2013 under the patronage of the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City, which has been at the forefront of green space policy in the wake of major urban project development and a heightened focus on sustainability in the UAE.

The continued growth of the MENA region and quick recovery from the effects of the GFC has intensified demand for sustainable landscape products and service. The planned spend on major projects including theme parks and other tourist attractions in the GCC is US$3 trillion, and a fresh investment in the UAE construction industry is expected to provide the landscape sector around US$3.8 billion worth of new projects in 2013. In addition, the UAE is currently implementing a new Landscape and Greenery Law which stipulates that all developers must incorporate at least 25 per cent of landscaped area or green space into plans for residential, commercial and leisure projects as part of the drive to improve sustainable practices in the region.

The Middle East Smart Landscape Summit has already drawn interest from municipalities, landscape architects and designers, urban developers, irrigation specialists and solution suppliers looking to learn the latest trends in sustainable landscaping and get wind of the projects and new opportunities in the Middle East region. Hot topics that are expected to be on the agenda include the ongoing and upcoming projects by the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City and other government departments, new technologies and techniques for water and energy efficiency, the planting of native trees and plants, architectural design to induce the cooling of parks and recreational areas, lighting, smart landscape materials and cutting-edge irrigation technologies.

The chance to rub shoulders with key industry players will undoubtedly be one of the major draw cards to this event which strives to be Middle East’s leading landscape conference. Prominent local and international figures are in the pipeline to offer their thoughts on the current state of the industry, and their vision and best practice for the future in presentations over 2 days. Case-studies, panel discussions and round-table discussions will also provide learning and knowledge-sharing opportunities, along with networking sessions and an exhibition lounge to discover the latest and greatest in sustainable landscape technologies.

Building on the success of the Middle East Smart Lighting Summit which was held in Abu Dhabi in October 2012, conference and event organizers Expotrade Global believe the Middle East Smart Landscape Summit is pertinent to the developments in the region;

“The Middle East Smart Landscape Summit will facilitate discussion between industry thought-leaders, decision-makers and solution providers in an intimate and highly-targeted environment to discuss the growth of the landscape industry in the Middle East and the importance of integrating smart and sustainable best practices. The event is very timely considering new policies and mega projects such as Al Reem Island, Dubai Sustainable City, Mohammed Bin Rashid City, and the continued development of Saadiyat Island. I’m sure that attendees will be particularly interested in learning of upcoming opportunities by municipalities and key trends revolutionizing this exciting industry”, says Jo Ann Jain, Director at Expotrade Global.

Expotrade Global is a conference and event organizer with head office based in Melbourne and regional office in Dubai. Specializing in B2B conferences Expotrade has delivered some of the most renowned events in the infrastructure, IT, mining and resources, sustainability, banking, lighting and energy sectors.